Capitals Condemn Comments Made by Brendan Leipsic, Forward Apologizes

Washington Capitals forward Brendan Leipsic apologized Wednesday evening for a series of offensive comments made on Instagram.

Washington Capitals forward Brendan Leipsic apologized Wednesday evening for a series of offensive comments made on Instagram. 

"Yesterday my friend's Instagram account was hacked and an individual circulated images that are representative of private conversations I was a part of," Leipsic wrote. "I fully recognize how inappropriate and offensive these comments are and sincerely apologize to everyone for my actions..."

Leipsic's Instagram account was deleted as of Wednesday evening. In one of the messages that is currently in question, Leipsic appeared to make an insulting comment toward the wife of Canucks winger Tanner Pearson, with whom he was briefly teammates in Vancouver. 

"The National Hockey League strongly condemns the misogynistic and reprehensible remarks made by players Brendan Leipsic and Jack Rodewald in a private group chat that has surfaced on social media," the NHL said in a statement. "There is no place in our League for such statements, attitudes and behavior, no matter the forum.  We will address this inexcusable conduct with the clubs and players involved.

"We are aware of the unacceptable and offensive comments made by Brendan Leipsic in a private conversation on social media. We will handle this matter internally," a Capitals team spokesperson told the Washington Post's Samantha Pell.

The 25-year-old Leipsic signed a one-year deal with Washington last summer. He scored three goals and eight assists in 61 games before the NHL season was suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic.